The Bethlehem Star - Bethlehem Lutheran Church
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The Bethlehem Star
A PUBLICATION OF BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH AND CHILDREN’S CENTER
Volume 70, Issue 7/8 July/August 2020
From Pastor Bill Gathered to worship,
Fifty years ago, the predecessor Churches of the Equipped by the Holy Spirit,
ELCA began Ordaining women to the Ministry Strengthened through community,
of Word and Sacrament. This change was Sent in peace to serve the Lord.
made official at the National Assemblies by the
swapping out of a single word in the governing
documents. The word "man" became the word Expectations
"person." A small adjustment on paper. This The man whispered,
change was barely enough to modify the spacing on a page, as if to "God, speak to me"
demonstrate a piercing pinpoint focus of all the resolve and advocacy
before the amendment and all the challenges and change of minds and And a meadowlark sang.
hearts to follow. A huge amount of energy brought to one target and an But, the man did not hear.
ocean of resettlement of expectations after. So the man yelled,
I remember in the early ‘80’s the startled look on my visiting mother's "God, speak to me!"
face when I introduced her to the congregational president of my
church in Denver. This president was a woman. My mother was a And, the thunder rolled
feminist before the word was minted. Her mother was a suffragette. across the sky.
Still she was surprised again when the newest member of the Pastoral But, the man did not listen.
staff led communion. Again, a woman. Even the desired end can be The man looked around and said,
surprising when the effort is wearying.
"God, let me see you."
Notable that my mother has served as a congregational president and
And a star shined brightly.
their congregation has called a woman as pastor.
But the man did not notice.
When I announced the results of the new Bishop election in
Northeastern Ohio Synod at the Sunday Service I said, "and her name And, the man shouted,
is Elizabeth Eaton" there was an audible gasp from many members "God show me a miracle!"
at the word "her." Yes, that is the same Elizabeth Eaton who is our And, a life was born.
national Bishop.
But, the man did not know.
You may see Bishop Eaton and her challenge to us at https://www.elca.
org/50yearsofordainedwomen. The challenges to Christ’s Church are So, the man cried out in despair,
everywhere. I especially like the invitation at the bottom of the web "Touch me God, And let me know
page, just above the social media marks. Does that sound like us? you are here!"
It is worth marking an anniversary that took so much work to Whereupon, God reached
accomplish because there is still so much remaining. It also helps us down and touched the
realize how much can be done. man.
What are the changes of heart and mind that we are willing to put our But, the man brushed the
resolve and advocacy towards? What challenging change of heart and butterfly away and walked on.
mind are we ready to hear? Will the Holy Spirit continue to stir, lead,
and sustain us? Don't miss out on a blessing
because it isn't packaged the way
Pray hard. that you expect.
Peace, Submitted by Siri Fenson
Pastor Bill
The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
July Second Mile Sunday Rebekah
San Francisco Night Ministry, "The Church's Night Shift" provides
compassionate and non‐judgmental pastoral care, counseling, referral Circle News
services and crisis intervention to those in any kind of need or distress Please join the
during the night. women of Rebekah
Every night of the year trained volunteer Crisis Line Counselors provide a listening Circle for a Zoom
ear to callers from around the Bay Area and beyond who are experiencing loneliness, Bible Study on
fear, anxiety, grief or distress of any sort. Thursday, July 9th
and August 13th at
The Night Ministers are ordained clergy who offer middle‐ of‐the‐night counseling 10:00 a.m.
and conversation on the streets of San Francisco and in bars, coffee shops,
transportations centers, hotel lobbies, hospitals and wherever people gather at night. Contact Siri Fenson
for more information
Night Ministry also sponsors two weekly outdoor ecumenical worship services, at (707)303-7860.
called Open Cathedrals, in the Civic Center and Mission neighborhoods of San
Francisco. A free meal follows each. "For where two or
three are gathered
On average we receive 4,800 calls per year from people who are lonely, anxious, together in my name,
frightened or upset. In addition, Night Ministers will have up to 15,000 significant there I am in the midst
conversations with individuals on the streets and in coffee shops, bars and other
of them."
places each year.
~Matthew 18:20
All of our services are free; our funding comes entirely from the generous donations
of individuals, congregations and other organizations.
San Francisco Night Ministry began as a pilot project under the Department of
Pastoral Services of the San Francisco Council of Churches in 1962. It was fully
organized in 1964 and became an independent not‐for‐profit organization with its
own governing board, charter, constitution and mission statement in 1990.
“Lighten the darkness.........rekindle the hope.”
Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Children’s Center A word from
1300 St. Francis Road, Santa Rosa, California 95409
Sunday Summer worship : 10:00 a.m. (Suspended) Martin
Church Office: 707/539-5252, Hours: 9-3, M-F
Church Email: blc@sonic.net
Church Website: www.blc-bcc.com
Children’s Center: 707/538-2266 "Grant that I may not
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BLCSantaRosa
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xTmtCjUddP81wRiTd2C8w
pray alone with the
Pastor: Linda Knapp Witness & Service mouth; help me that
Bill Wessner Carolyn Cole-Schweizer, Worship
707-782-8703 (Pastor’s cell) Michelle Thomson, Youth I may pray from the
Email: PastorBill.BLC@gmail.com Janet Krug, BCC Representative
depths of my heart."
Congregational Officers: Siri Fenson, Bethlehem WELCA President
-Martin Luther
Cal Eriksen, President Staff:
Brad Powell, Vice President Michelle Frabotta, Parish Administrator
Bev Powell, Secretary Deborah McNally, Tiffany Perry-Co-Directors
Beverly Schaap, Treasurer Bethlehem Children's Center 538-2266
Susan Jenkins, Financial Secretary Janet Bertoli, Adult & Youth Choirs
Council Commissioners: Barbara Laferriere, Organist, Adult Choir,
Nancy Trbovich, Education Position Available, Bell Choir
Nick Keane, Property Laura Lightfoot, Youth Choirs
George Kuhn, Stewardship Debbie Knudtzon, Parish Nurse 537-7450
Page 2The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
Reopening Postponed Until Further Notice
Given the current rise in coronavirus cases in Sonoma County, the Reopening Committee has decided to
postpone resuming in-person worship until further notice. We regret having to take this action...we were
looking forward to seeing familiar (masked) faces this Sunday, but we feel it is in the best interest of our
members to do so.
We will continue to closely monitor local health ordinances and will revisit our reopening plans again when it
is safe. Your safety and wellness are our highest priority.
Thank you for your patience with this ever-changing situation.
In Christ,
Bill Wessner, Pastor
Cal Eriksen, President
Carolyn Cole-Schweizer, Reopening Committee Chair
Agnus Day
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news
of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for
them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into
his harvest.”
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and
to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as
Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas
and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas
Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter
no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the
good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out
demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
Peace and Joy,
James Wetzstein, creator Agnus Day
Page 3The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
Christ in Our
Home
The July-August-September
edition of
July August
Christ in Our
Home is now
available.
2 Brian Bertoli 1 Kathy Hannon Please send
3 Bonnie Barnes 3 Jo Treagus, Richard Doran, Linda Smith an email or
4 Rod and Karen Gundy (49) 5 Barry and Jennifer Wong (20) contact the
5 Craig Clissold 6 Luke & Rachel Anderson (9) Church office
6 Denise and Terry Newkirk (31), Megan for a copy to
9 Avery Apostle, Pastor Brian and Laurie
& Jason Kelly (13) be mailed to
Claasen (45)
7 Sue McCullough
your home. Please specify if you
10 Michelle Frabotta
would like a large print edition.
8 Mason Cole-Schweizer 11 Janet Krug
9 Lisa and Mark McIntyre (36) 15 Lorie Moser and Curt Shadduck (10)
These daily devotionals are
10 Bob Beck another great way to worship
16 Jesse and Candy Claasen (12)
11 Cara McIntyre while we Shelter-in-Place.
17 Victoria Thomson
12 Shirley Jensen
19 Jonathan Walls, Lisa Kelly, Connie
13 Susan Comstock
Lorenz, Donette Mack, Richard and
16 Danielle Sass Ramona Doran (53), Dean and Christen
17 Dorotha Misasi Thompson (25)
18 Elizabeth Sanders, Bob and Judiann 20 Susan Jenkins, Matthew Barnekow
O'Connell (51) 21 Katy Jenkins, John & Tracy Huotari (38)
19 Rick Knapp, Dan and Michelle Thomson
22 Kara Kracht, Jason & Kara Kracht (12)
(34)
23 Brianna Perry, Cal Eriksen
20 Laura and Greg Apostle (29)
22 Jeff Burton, Lynne and Gary Schouest 24 Jared Bertoli
(42), Carl & Gail Bowers (31) 25 Eva Mikalson
23 Charla Paine 26 George and Melissa Kuhn (31)
25 Bob O'Connell, Judy Flowers, Christiane 27 Jenna Stein, Rose Smith, Lynn Schouest
Silverthorne 29 Annie Jenkins, Helen Jane Rommereim
26 Sara & Yasha Mokaram (6), Michelle 30 Melissa Preston, Jeff & Vicki Thomson
& Marc Frabotta (14), Dave and Rose (61)
Smith (17)
27 Connie VanPelt, Wes and Christiane Benefit BLC with Online Shopping
Silverthorne (52), Charla & John Paine Many of you are shopping from home as we shelter-in-place. Don't
(46) forget, if you are shopping at Amazon, you can shop instead at smile.
28 Daniel Virtue, Nancy and William amazon.com and increase donations for Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Trbovich (30) AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support BLC
30 Dean Thompson every time you shop, at no cost to you. Amazon will donate a portion of
31 Justin Wong
the purchase price (.5%) To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.
amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device.
Page 4The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
Freedom for what? Rwanda School Brown Paper Bags
From Christ in Our Home (July 2020)
Project Update Elisha’s Pantry and F.I.S.H. are in
For freedom Christ has set us Our Students have been sheltering
need of your brown paper grocery
free. (Galatians 4:21-5:1) bags to help as they give food to
in place at home since our school
those in need throughout our
Freedom is a great American was closed in March. As Moses
community. If you have extras and
value, but American freedom is [Ssenyonjo, Head of School]
would like to donate,
quite different from freedom in describes, our school in Rwamagana
please drop them off
Christ. As a teenager I longed has adapted, transitioning from
in the BLC kitchen.
for each new freedom: at sixteen, providing education to providing
Thank you for your
food. Thanks to Moses's nonstop
freedom to drive; at eighteen, work, Rwamagana Leaders' School
donations!
freedom to be considered an has become a center of community
adult; at twenty-one, freedom activity as people look to us for help Contemporary
to drink alcohol. My desire for
freedom was for and about myself.
during this crisis. The government
has permitted us to do humanitarian
Sunday, August 16th
It had nothing to do with anyone work during the closure, and we One Sunday a month, the
else. In the have received help from many, both Bethlehem community worships
same way, in Rwanda and North America. accompanied by guitar, piano, bass,
much of flute and other instrumentation
Rwanda is planning to open schools at the 10:00 a.m. service. The
our culture in September. Since school was in
seems to pattern of liturgy is familiar, the
session for only about six weeks songs often have a
long for and this year, all students will remain in more contemporary
fight for their same grades for the duration rhythm and “feel”.
this reckless of the 2020-2021 school year. The
abandon of ending date for the school year has Join us for this special
freedom, a not yet been decided. In Rwanda, worship service!
golden ideal. the school year for secondary
schools has traditionally been from
The apostle Paul contends that January to November. The problem
we have been set free in Christ,
but it is not a wild freedom from
has been, however, that most "Zoom-ers" Needed
universities begin the school year in
restraint. To be freed by Christ is August or September which created If you are familiar with, or curious
to be freed from the grim results a "gap year" for capable, qualified to learn Zoom Meetings, Pastor
graduates who wanted to go to Bill would like to include more
of life lived estranged from God. faces in our worship.
Reconciled to God, our freedom college. Because of the COVID-19
is like that of Christ, freedom shutdown the difficulty of the "gap Please join us for
devoted to serving others in year" issue no longer exists. Prayers of the Church.
love. It is not self-seeking or self- For those of you who sponsor a Sharing of the Peace.
gratifying, but is freedom to be student, your student will be in the Perhaps snacks after worship.
with and for others in love. same grade in 2020-2021 as they And what ever else our collective
were in January. We thank you imaginations cook up.
Liberate us, O Christ, from the for your sponsorship during this
bonds we make for ourselves, and troubling time. We have continued Send an email to Pastor Bill to be
help us live into your freedom. to support our staff and teachers included in the invitations.
Amen. and we are preparing for a good year PastorBill.BLC@gmail.com
Prayer concern: Those lacking basic when school opens in September. (Subject Line: Zoom Meetings)
freedoms (Continued on pg. 6)
Page 5The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
From our Synod Rwanda School
If I were to create a “Word Cloud” for the feelings I (Continued from pg. 5)
am having these days following the murder of George For those of you who do not,
Floyd, there wouldn’t be a lot of “cheery” words in won't you consider sponsoring a
it: Shocked. Saddened. Angry. Heartsick. Fearful. student? Our students are eager
Inadequate. Unprepared. Grieving. Frustrated. to get back to school and resume
Disbelieving. Wondering. Weary. their studies. Now more than ever
And really, what it comes right down to is this — none of my feelings we need you. We currently have
matter. Not one damn bit. Not now. Because what matters is Black 182 students and 43% of those
lives. Black Lives Matter. Black lives that are being taken by murder students (79) need full support.
at the hands of the police. Black lives that are being disregarded A full sponsorship costs $160/mo
through judicial, legal, economic, voting and social policies that seek and covers tuition, room and
to minimize the voices and needs of people of color in this country in board, school uniform, supplies,
order to perpetuate white privilege. Black lives that are in danger every and 24-hour/day supervision.
day because white supremacy, of which white people are a part through Half and quarter sponsorships are
having benefitted from a system that empowers and enables them at the also possible. More information
expense of others, is alive and well in this country. Black lives that are is available on our website
threatened by personal and systemic racism, which permeates every rwandaschoolproject.org.
part of society in this country. From local police
departments and schools and courts, to the highest What Jesus looks like
governmental offices of the land – racist polices and From Christ in Our Home (August 2020)
laws exist to perpetuate white supremacy. What Many will come from east and west and will eat.
really matters at this time are the feelings and voices (Matthew 8:1-13)
of Black People who are speaking out. These are the
voices of people who are spilling out onto our streets When we look at pictures of Jesus, we often see our
crying for justice. Crying for justice even when the own reflection. In Japan, he looks Japanese. Pictures
police are acting more like warriors than guardians. of Jesus in Africa show him with dark skin and black
Crying for justice in the face of tear gas and blinding hair. In Northern European cultures, he is often
rubber bullets and horses and Billy Clubs. Are we depicted as fair-haired and blue-eyed with a light
listening? complexion. This isn't shameful or wrong, unless we
For as long as Black Lives have been in danger in this impose our image of Jesus on others. It's natural to
country Lutheran Christians have been largely silent. view Jesus through our own lenses, but if we take the
We have been silent for far too long. A few years ago body of Christ seriously, we recognize Jesus in all types
during my report to our Synod Assembly, I asked of people, for all human beings are made in the image
“Why is it that Black lives in Rwanda matter more of God.
to us than Black lives in our own cities?” This is a
sad legacy we must first acknowledge and then move It should be no surprise, then, in our reading today
to change. Yes, we passed resolutions at our most that Jesus sees God at work in a Gentile, this Roman
recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly condemning centurion. Jesus recognizes his own and marvels, and
white supremacy and racist rhetoric and offering a then reminds us that the household of God is much
public apology to People of African Descent (see bigger than people who look and act like us. Rather,
links at the bottom of this article). Fifty years after many will come from every race, skin color, tribe,
the Civil Rights Act was passed. One hundred and orientation, nation, gender, ability, culture-to eat the
fifty years after Jim Crow Laws were enacted. Four great feast in God's banquet hall. Even people who
hundred years after the first slaves were brought to look like me!
this country. Yes, we have begun showing up at Black
Lives Matter gatherings since the deaths of George Christ, you welcome all to your feast. Teach me to do
Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Was the the same. Amen.
death of George Floyd (Continued on pg. 8) Prayer concern: Refugees and asylum seekers
Page 6The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
Women of Bethlehem-You're Invited!
Do you know that every woman at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is already a member of WELCA? We all are;
just by coming to Bethlehem!
This year 2020 has brought new challenges to everyone. We are not able to gather, greet, hug, worship, sing, or
even eat together! It is difficult to not be with our church community. Many are alone and lonely. The women
of Bethlehem are working together to write a time capsule booklet as we shelter in place. This is not a time to
be forgotten, but a time to learn and grow in quiet contemplation. Please consider being part of this special
project! Thank you.
~Lisa McIntyre, WELCA Secretary of Education
Women of Bethlehem 2020
The Spring of 2020 has been filled with uncertainty. Bethlehem Lutheran Church
has not been able to meet or worship together. But, we are never alone…
…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20
Thank you for being part of the Bethlehem Women 2020 Time Capsule. This started as something to do as we all
shelter in place instead of a womens retreat. Now, it seems, the wind is blowing in a different direction. I think
it is important to share these times with the future women of Bethlehem. Who we are and how we dealt with the
Spring of 2020.
Name:
Age group (20-30, 30-40, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90 and up):
Member of Bethlehem since:
Tell a little about who you are. Pick 2 or 3 of the subjects below:
`Favorite Sunday school memory
`Favorite hymn or Bible song… one verse
`Favorite Bible verse
`What Extra curriculars are you involved in at church
`What is your favorite church holiday/celebration/event
`Favorite recipe to bring to church potluck
What I have learned :
`Have you done something, learned something or accomplished something new during this time?
`During this shelter in place and/or the racial equality movement, is there a quote/poem/words of inspiration you
would like to add to your page.
…or maybe a prayer
Page 7The Bethlehem Star July/August 2020
From our Synod (Continued from pg. 6)
finally hideous enough to awaken us from our slumber? Will it be a month from now? I pray so.
Black Lives Matter. Black voices matter. I’ve been listening to those who can share from their experience how
dangerous, challenging and fearful a place America has been for them and for their families — for a long time.
I want to listen so I can speak when called upon to do so. I want to speak because I believe it is crucial for all
people to add to this conversation. Yet I feel inadequate (see words above) and unprepared to do so. Thankfully,
I have been blessed to read words of Black colleagues and friends who are opening to me the world of their
experience that I only thought I knew. Links to two of those voices are below. I encourage you to read the
words of Bishop Yehiel Curry of the Metro Chicago Synod and Elena King-Garret, a longtime friend and co-
worker of Debbi’s. They embody words and feelings that I can barely begin to understand. And so I read and
re-read their words. Please take the time to read what they are saying.
https://www.facebook.com/yehiel.curry/posts/10157828357186633
https://www.facebook.com/elena.kinggarrett/posts/3169030246507167
It is also important for us to acknowledge that Black voices cannot be the only voices that are calling out
for justice. That is the job of all of us who say we live by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a Gospel that was first
proclaimed as good news to those who were living on the margins, to those whose lives were relegated to the
lowest places of society by those who enjoyed power and prestige. A Gospel that calls us to see everyone is
made in the image of God and how that unites us to stand with those who are being killed because of the
color of their skin. Can there be any doubt where our voices need to share that Gospel now? One way that
might happen is offered elsewhere in this newsletter by the Racial and Ethnic Ministry Strategies Discipling
Team – resources for commemorating the Emanuel 9 who were murdered at Mother Emanuel AME Church
on June 17, 2015. There are many ideas in what has been shared that provide an opportunity for listening in
our communities. There is also a link to the resolution (below) that was passed at our Churchwide Assembly
in Milwaukee and a link to the resource page on the ELCA website that could assist you in planning a
commemoration service in your community. It would be a helpful beginning if we connected with other
leaders, especially leaders of multi-ethnic and ethnic-specific congregations, leaders with whom we perhaps not
have connected before, to plan such a service together. And not to stop there. To continue the conversations –
hard conversations – that will lead us to keep speaking, to keep advocating, to keep working until true equality
is realized in this country. To work for reform in local police departments and other agencies that will end the
killing of people who are black and brown.To keep saying Black Lives Matter.
Come Holy Spirit, Come. Call us. Empower us.
Enable us. Wake us. Move us. Cause us to be your Treasurer's Report
justice, mercy, peace and hope. Amen. Beverly Schaap
Peace, May 2020
Actual Budget Difference
Bp. Mark Income $18,098 $28,460 -$10,362
Sierra Pacific Synod Expenses $27,481 $32,835 -$5,354
Visit spselca.org for more information Net -$9,383 -$4,375 -$5,008
The deadline for the next issue of The Bethlehem Star is
August 21, 2020. YTD 2020
Please submit information and story ideas to the church office or Actual Budget Difference
email blc@sonic.net Income $103,544 $132,680 -$29,136
Should you have any comments or suggestions that will help Expenses $135,534 $163,832 -$28,298
improve The Star, we will be pleased to receive them. Net -$31,990 -$31,152 -$838
Should you wish to discontinue your subscription to The Star
please let us know via email. Amount needed to meet the budget $7,625 per week
May $4,525
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